Some of Barrie's leading businessmen are banding together tomorrow night for COPE Service Dogs.
The 3rd annual MisBehaving Barrie is being held at Ferndale Banquet Hall and all proceeds go to COPE (Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment).
The male professionals bring a service package from their businesses and donate it to the charitable organization that provides service dogs for people with mental health and physical challenges.
"On the day of the event, the men go on stage and they get live auctioned off and the ladies present there bid on these service packages," explains organizer Shakir Barmare.
"Twenty-five men are bringing different packages from their businesses. We have fitness trainers, a guy from a roofing company, a chocolate company, a meat shop. Lots of different packages."
Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman is offering a Highlights of Barrie Tour that will take 2-3 hours and include a cocktail and dinner at a restaurant. "Service Package Value - Priceless. Opening bid $50," reads the Mayor's listing.
Councillor Andrew Price is offering a professional duct cleaning package valued at up to $500 and Councillor Sergio Morales is donating 5 one-hour personal training sessions at Core Evolution, The Training Room.
John Linkert of John Linkert Salon is offering a service package valued at $525.00 with the opening bid set at $50.
Linkert's service is one year of hair services of a haircut, shampoo and blow dry every six weeks.
And that's just to name a few.
Tickets are $25 and include a silent auction and appetizers.
COPE is the event's charity of choice.
"So many from old to young, sick to healthy have benefited from the service dogs. Cope is in a difficult financial situation and I need to help keep them afloat so those in need of the services can have it," Barmare said.
COPE recently launched a Dollar A Day fundraising campaign to help pay for seven service-dog-in-training complete their schooling and be placed with partners.
The first 100 women in the door to MisBehaving get swag bags valued at more than $100.
MisBehaving Barrie is Friday, August 18, at 7 p.m. at the Ferndale Banquet Hall at 24 Ferndale Industrial Dr.
For participation or to make a donation contact Shakir at 705-718-7550.